Page 2 December 13th, 2015

Sunday Sunday of Advent December 13th, 2015 “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God.” (Philippians 4)

December 19th & 20th, 2015 – Fourth Sunday in Advent

Weekday Mass Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Monday – Friday & 8:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. – Saturday Next Week’s Readings: Micah 5:1-4a (12C); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Saturdays: 3:45-5:00 p.m. (in English) Sundays: 1:00 p.m. (in Spanish) Every Tuesday during Advent: 12/15 & 22 – 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Chapel

Monthly Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father December 2015 Universal: That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving. Evangelization: That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

Following the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Friday, in the Sanctuary or Chapel, and concludes with Benediction at NOON

Please Pray for the Sick of Our Parish: Edie Hendricks, Ed Masternak,

Andy Weatherby, Regina Panca, Michael Elgart, Gwen Leonard,

Patty Baker, Elizabeth Kirincich, Ann S. Burnett, Jane Hendrix, Stephen McAllister, Michelle Hunter, Mary Jo Miller, Gerard Brannon, Megan Brennan, Lorraine Blaise, Joan MacClain, Angela Bettenger, Carmen Regio, Angie Cullen, Kathryn Rodriguez,

Elizabeth Platt, Gina Johnson, Julie Rossettie, Teresa Berna, Susan Wardynski, Louise McLaughlin,

Pam Curry, Annina Tucci, Jennifer Brusstar, Barbara Dennison, Norma Pena, The Lewis Family,

Leland Tramm, Steve Upton, Karen Bilbo, Matthew and Maria Van Order, Janice Stallings,

Darrick Strickland, Marie Aragon, Michael Ragsdale, Vivian Wason, Ann Cooper, Phil Deely, Julian Warren,

Kim & Sara Lewis, Cecile Lucas, Julian Chin, Memencio Urbano, Jason Liljenquist, Geraldine Balsitis,

Gordon Pavy, April Garcia

MASS TIMES

MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERS LECTOR # 1 LECTOR # 2

December 19th Sat. 5:30 p.m.

Fr. Ramel Portula, C.I.C.M.

Quirk, A.; Emanuel, B.; Emanuel, G.; Jaslow, D.;

Jaslow, K.

Cross Bearer: Lucchesi Server 1: Cogar

Server 2: O’Boyle Guttman Emanuel

December 20th Sun. 7:30 a.m.

Fr. Pascal Kumanda C.I.C.M.

Joyce, S.; Ampil, C.; Howell, M.; Kormos, J.;

McFarren , T.

Cross Bearer: Machion Server 1: Machion

Server 2: Rush Walsh Sheehan

December 20th Sun. 9:00a.m.

Fr. Ramel Portula, C.I.C.M

Stephenson, A,; Fottrell, J.; Greco, P.; Kaufman, W.;

Lekang, D.; Lekang, J.; Mizzi, L.

Cross Bearer: Anderson Server 1: Montgomery

Server 2: Rogando Crean Bingel

December 20th Sun. 11:00 a.m.

Fr. Pascal Kumanda C.I.C.M.

Dioso, L.; Burke, P.; Campbell, L.; Destro, R.; Escobal, E.; Huston, M.;

Karinshak, J.

Cross Bearer: O’Donnell Server 1: Greco Server 2: Greco

Hodson Bierbower

December 20th Sun. 1:30 p.m.

Fr. Ramel Portula, C.I.C.M.

Melendez, M.; Hernandez, J.; Blanco, M.; Veliz, A.;

Hernandez, J. Check w/Coordinator Maria Esther

Villafan Mariel Syed

Page 3 December 13th, 2015

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Collection Today! In the Year of Mercy, help people in need with a gift to Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Collection Today marks the second collection for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. Our mission is vital to the diocese’s work to serve the poor with Christian love and compassion—and your support makes this possible. Please prayerfully consider supporting Catholic Charities’ mission to help children and families struggling this year. All gifts stay in the diocese. If you are not able to make a gift today, please make your gift in next week’s collection and note Christmas Collection / Catholic Charities on the memo portion of your check. Or visit www.ccda.net to learn more about volunteer opportunities or to make a year-end gift.

What is the Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy? In April, Pope Francis announced in his papal bull Misericordiae Vultus that a Jubilee Year of Mercy began on the Feast of Immaculate Conception in Dec. 8, 2015 and end on the Feast of Christ the King in Nov. 20, 2016. To read the entire papal bull, google Misericordiae Vultus. In the document, Pope Francis explained that mercy is not only an act of God, but something all of us should be practicing in our daily lives. “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace. Our salvation depends on it.” Events throughout the Jubilee Year of Mercy will reemphasize and promote both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that all Catholics are encourage to undertake.

Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Visit the sick Visit the imprisoned Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy: Counsel the doubtful Comfort the sorrowful Admonish the sinner Instruct the ignorant Bear wrongs patiently Forgive all injuries Pray for the living and the dead

Celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy with a great new app from Our Sunday Visitor! 365 Days to Mercy is designed to accompany you on your spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The app includes daily reflections on mercy, everyday Scripture reflections, Pope Francis’ tweets, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena, and lots more. Go to your app store and search “365 Days to Mercy” and install it today! Go to www.OSV.com/YOM to learn more.

Saint Ann School Christmas Program: Come and enjoy the annual Saint Ann School Christmas Pageant on December 18th at 1:00 or 7:00 p.m. in Fr. Beattie Hall. The Kindergarten class will also present a Christmas Program after the 8:30 a.m. Mass that day!

Saturday, December 12th 8:30 a.m. + Dennis Hoyt + Kazimierz & Helena Pachla Special Intention for Mary Holton 5:30 p.m. + James N. Costello 7:30 p.m. Spanish Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe - No Intention Offered

Sunday, December 13th 7:30 a.m. For the People 9:00 a.m. + Floranda Corday + Wanda Daley + Capt. Al Olsen 11:00a.m. + Frances Gordon + Mrs. Liba Vanicky + Noreen Sobczak 1:30p.m. No Intention Offered Monday, December 14th 8:30 a.m. + Arsenia Momongan

Tuesday, December 15th 8:30 a.m. + Ruth Williams + Gary Martin

Wednesday, December 16th 8:30 a.m. Special Intention for the Babiak Family + Colin Basler 11:00 a.m. Mass at Sunrise Nursing Home - No Intention Offered

Thursday, December 17th 10:00 a.m. + Thomas J. Pratt

Friday, December 18th 8:30 a.m. + Barbara Vitt + Duane Wunn

Saturday, December 19th 8:30 a.m. + Elaine Brock 5:30 p.m. + Mike Kozar

Sunday, December 20th 7:30 a.m. + Francis E. Thibodaux, Jr. 9:00 a.m. For the People + Sheila Harris + Capt. Al Olsen 11:00a.m. + Patricia Slye 1:30p.m. No Intention Offered

Decorating the Church for Christmas While we take pause during Advent to reflect on our faith and prepare for the coming of the Lord, please consider helping decorate the church and chapel for Christmas! In particular, we are in need of volunteers to help us install our Christmas trees, wreaths and floral display for Christmas Eve and Christmas. We'll meet on Sunday, December 20 from 4:00-6:30 PM. Please drop in to lend a hand or RSVP using this link:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4ea5ad2faa8-watering. Our volunteers work year-round tending to the plants, ordering seasonal and memorial altar flowers, and coordinating seasonal displays. If you are not available to help with decorating, please consider a ministry to water and spruce up our thirsty plants once in a while. For questions, please contact Kathy Bates at (703) 533-8516 or kwbates2@gmail.com.

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Faith Formation

News

703-528-6199 stannreled@gmail.com The Jubilee Year of Mercy As the Church celebrates this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Faith Formation Office wants to extend a special invitation to experience God’s mercy this year in the sacraments of the Church.

If you have a child who is not yet baptized—or are blessed to be expecting a baby—please plan to give your child the gift of baptism! This is not only the sacrament which forgives sins; it is the way we enter into the Household of God, the Church. You can contact the Faith Formation office to plan this celebration in English or Spanish.

If you are an adult and have not yet received the graces which come through Confirmation, please consider celebrating the sacrament with Bishop Loverde this May. Instruction is beginning now and is offered around the Sunday Mass schedule.

If you have been away from Confession for a while and are anxious, know that our loving Father is ready to welcome you! If you would like some practical help on how to make an examination of conscience, please contact the Faith Formation office for resources…but know there is NO wrong way to go to Confession! Any priest will guide you.

If you have been away from the sacraments because you are in need of an annulment, we have two canon lawyers on staff (Deacon Bill Donovan and Amy Strickland) who would be happy to discuss this newly-simplified process with you. Many people find this experience to be one of great healing after a failed marriage.

If you have been away from the sacraments because you are married outside of the Church, please approach one of our priests to discuss the blessing of your marriage in the Church (technically called a “convalidation”).

Let us abandon all fear and dread, for these do not befit men and women who are loved.

Instead, let us live the joy of encounter with the grace that transforms all.

~ Pope Francis, homily opening the Year of Mercy

St Ann’s Health Tip – Start New Year’s Resolutions Now! Start your New Year's exercise resolution now! Set aside time for 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. This will make you stronger, give you more energy, and prevent weight gain. Exercise can improve your mood and relieve stress.

For more information, please contact Diane Phelps at : dphelps@stann.org (703) 528-6276

The Good News Saint Ann Catholic School Believe • Achieve • Inspire

Charity Water Collection – A Great Success: During the month of November, Saint Ann students, teachers and staff contributed 513 dollars to Charity Water. This organization puts 100% of contributions toward building clean water wells in underdeveloped parts of Africa and South America. For the next two weeks, students from grades K-8 will be participating in the CODE.org initiative which exposes them to Computer Science concepts and many coding activities.

K-5: During the month of November, the fourth grade students made models of Indian tribes who lived in Virginia. First the students researched about their chosen tribe and brought in materials to make a model of their village. They then explained what they learned about their tribe to the class. The model villages are in the library on display for all to see. Now that they are experts, the students will help the second graders with their models. In religion, each student made a small Ark of the Covenant out of milk cartons, yellow construction paper, and straws for the bars to carry it with. They put two small angels on top. The students just learned about how we received the Ten Commandments and how the Ten Commandments were kept in the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was kept in the Tabernacle just as it is today. The fourth grade students are experts at long division and feel very good about the ability to divide any number by any number.

Middle School News: Last week the 7th grade worked on mock trials to present in class. One case was the State vs. Hansel and Gretel (on trial for murder of the witch) and another trial was the State vs. the Woodcutter (from Little Red Riding Hood, for killing the big bad wolf). The students applied persuasive tactics and avoided using logical fallacies which they learned about this quarter in their persuasive writing unit. The Middle School students are preparing for the Science Fair in January. Our local Science Fair is January 28. All are welcome to attend to see the hard work the students have been putting into since the beginning of the school year. The top ten projects selected will go on to the Diocesan Science Fair on April 16.

Harris Teeter, Giant, Target, and Amazon Update Check out our progress with these programs, we’ve already earned over $900! It’s not too late to link and the sooner you link, the sooner our school earns. Go to stann.org for more information on how to link your grocery cards.

Holiday Shopping? Use our Amazon School Rewards link!

If you are doing you holiday shopping on Amazon – please don’t forget to use our school link on stann.org/Families/Fundraising/Amazon Rewards Program before you shop on Amazon.

Saint Ann Catholic School… The Little School with Big Results

www.stann.org

Page 5 December 13th, 2015

ADVENT GIVING TREE Beginning with the weekend Masses on November 28th and 29th, you will have the opportunity to select a colored tag from the Giving Tree, which is located in the Narthex. Please take an ornament and fulfill the gift request (unwrapped) and return it to church no later than December 20th. Please remember to attach the paper tag to ensure proper delivery of your gift.

THANKS FOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DONATIONS: Thank you for your generous donation of 1,148 pounds of food for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). St. Ann parishioners also contributed $250 in cash. Thanks also to all who helped deliver the donated food to AFAC!

MAKE BAGGED MEALS FOR THE HOMELESS: Join us in the parish hall on Tuesday, December 15, at 4:45 pm to make bagged meals for people in need in Arlington.

Check this space each week for information about outreach ministries at St. Ann; volunteer needs in our community; and advocacy opportunities. Submissions

from parishioners are welcome and may be sent to Sandy Cleva at scleva@verizon.net or (703) 389- 6516.

It's almost that time of year again! Annual St. Ann Used Book and Bake Sale sponsored by the parish and St. Ann PTO Sunday Feb. 7, 2016. Start collecting your gently used books -- collections will take place beginning Jan. 31. No videos, encyclopedias or periodicals, please. All volunteers are welcome! Contact: Kelley Vlahos at kv@kelleyvlahos.com or 703-470-3759

Join a choir for Christmas! If you would like to join a choir for Christmas we would love to have you. We have choir members that travel over the holidays so a few more voices are always welcome. Can’t make it to rehearsal? Join us on Christmas morning and sing with our pick-up choir at the 9 am mass. Please contact Jamie Sample for more information.

A note from your ushers: We Need Your Help Due to this busy holiday season and several ushers being unavailable we are asking that anyone who would like to sign up to assist with ushering please email John Karinshak at jkarinshak@aol.com. Your service will be very much appreciated.

Give the Gift of Life this Christmas Season The next blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, December 20th from 8:00 AM-12:30PM in room 105. Please donate and give the gift of life this Christmas! If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Maria Shirron cell: 571-228-3193 or home 703-243-6787

Christian Stewardship: End of 2015 Tax-Deductible Donations If you: 1. Used Parish envelopes, you will receive a letter from St. Ann's in late January showing your 2015 contributions. 2. Used Faith Direct, you will receive a letter from them. 3. Are planning to make an end-of-year one-time charitable donation, please consider Saint Ann Parish. Donations received by Thursday, December 31 will be included in your 2015 St. Ann tax letter. Please email Charles McCoy at cmccoy@stann.org with any questions. Year end stock gifts: Have your securities increased in value lately? Would you like to make a tax-advantaged gift? Donations of securities may be made to Saint Ann Church or School at any time. Further, donations of stock that has increased in value have a significant tax advantage. For more information or a copy of the Catholic Estate and Personal Planning workbook, please contact Charles McCoy at cmccoy@stann.org Details About the Upcoming Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Ramel Portula: Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in the upcoming pilgrimage with Fr. Ramel Portula. The dates for the pilgrimage will be September 19th – 29th, 2016. The approximate cost of the trip will be $3460 per person. Much is included in this cost. For details or to express your interest in joining Fr. Ramel Portula in September, contact the Parish Office at 703-528-6276. Thank you!